The name change was prompted by the negative racial connotations that have created a disturbance in the community and caused the street sign to be stolen numerous times over the years.

“Residents should be able to live in a neighborhood they are proud of and one where they feel comfortable,” said Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. “The offensive connotation of the street name Coon Hunt Court makes that impossible for its residents and does not appropriately represent our community. We wanted to help them facilitate a change.”

With only six households on the street, the unanimous support among all homeowners was critical. Residents also had the support of County Council Member Calvin Ball, who represents their community and was instrumental in leading the initiative.

"The street name Coon Hunt Court is not only unsettling," Ball said, "but it also doesn’t represent our community and the society of diversity and acceptance we live in today."

Road name changes in the county are administered by The Department of Planning and Zoning. The process involves an application and a public hearing.

The Planning Board will meet on the proposed name change from Coon Hunt Court to April Wind Circle, on September 6 at the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City at 7 p.m.